Agaton claims 40 lives, affects 130,000 families

MANILA (Updated) -- Non-stop rain in Mindanao already killed 40 people, while the affected population rose to around 130,000 families, said the National disaster Risk Reduction Management (NDRRMC) on Sunday morning.

The NDRRMC reported that the Low Pressure Area (LPA), which turned into Tropical Depression Agaton, also injured 65 people while five remained missing Sunday.

From a total of 123,444 families affected, around 34,000 vacated their homes and temporarily stayed in evacuation centers.

The LPA, which has been staying in the region for more than a week now, caused landslides, flashfloods, heavy flooding and maritime incident in some provinces in Mindanao.

Issues with relief operations are growing due to the damaged major roads and bridges. But the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DPWH), together with the Department of Health (DOH) and local government units (LGU), provided some relief goods worth P31.3 million.

According to the disaster council, the total damage to infrastructure and agriculture is already almost P13.8 million.

In the coastal areas of Cebu, Dumaguete, Tagbilaran, Maasin, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon and Masbate, 7,386 passengers were stranded since trips of vessels were canceled.

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) canceled several flights from Manila to the provinces of Surigao, Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, Busuanga and Kalibo due to bad weather.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported that the LPA entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday, January 10. It continues to produce rain in Mindanao area. The LPA, after staying in the country for a week, turned into a tropical depression on January 17.

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